Food distributing giantMcLane Company Inc.,
Temple, Texas, said it launched a Grab & Go Hot Foods Program and
a Grab & Go Gourmet Pastry Program. Officials said both new
offerings include an array of products and equipment solutions to help
convenience stores meet growing customer demand for affordable,
prepared foods.
McLane said c-store foodservice growth
outpaced traditional quick-service restaurants, and retailers are
struggling to keep up. Customers consider value, quality and taste to
be the most important factors when deciding on a prepared food purchase
at a store. McLane's Hot Food program includes roller-grill items such
as hot dogs, grilled wraps, egg rolls and breakfast sausages as well as
warmer selections such as breakfast sandwiches, burritos and burgers.
“Many
retailers are recognizing the growing demand for foodservice options
but aren’t able to provide the quality and selection required to draw
these buyers,” said Grant Demers, McLane product director for
foodservice and supplies. “By offering retailers this new program,
we’re hoping to alleviate these obstacles and provide scalable
solutions that promote both customer satisfaction and incremental
revenue.”
According to CSP’s 2010 Category Management
Handbook, more than 40 percent of c-store shoppers have purchased
foodservice items, and these customers are starting to demand a greater
variety of options. Among the food types purchased, breakfast foods are
consistently the most popular category.
Demers said McLane's
pastry program addresses this demand by offering convenience stores an
extensive selection of premium quality and affordable baked goods –
including donuts, Danishes, cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies. The
program also provides acrylic merchandisers in a variety of sizes and
configurations, allowing retailers to tailor their selection to suit
each store and customer base.
“Many retailers have neglected
to capitalize on the growing demand for c-store prepared foods, and the
breakfast category in particular,” said Demers. “Our Grab & Go
Gourmet Pastry program offers retailers a stress-free entry into this
profitable segment with a wide range of value-priced products and
merchandising recommendations to provide dedicated shelf space that
conveys a commitment to quality, safety and variety.”